Regrouting a shower costs $1,500 on average, depending on the size. Most homeowners spend between $600 and $2,500.
If looking at the grout in your shower makes you want to bathe in the dark, it might be time to get it replaced. On average, the cost to regrout a shower is between $600 and $2,500 (or $10 to $25 per square foot). Prices hinge on the size of the shower, the type of grout, and how much old grout needs to be removed. We break down what you can expect to pay below.
Certain factors will impact the price to regrout your shower. It mostly boils down to labor and materials. The more labor and the more materials the job requires, the higher the price tag. Here’s a look at what might affect your budget.
Regrouting costs depend on the size of your shower. On average, expect to spend $10 to $25 per square foot if you hire a pro. The standard shower stall is 36-by-36 inches with a height between 72 and 80 inches. Tub-to-shower conversions are around 36-by-60 inches. Most tile showers have three walls of tile—though you may only need to regrout a portion of the tile.
| Size of Shower | Approximate Square Footage | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 32-by-32 inches | 56 | $560–$1,400 |
| 36-by-36 inches | 63 | $630–$1,575 |
| 48-by-36 inches | 70 | $700–$1,750 |
| 36-by-60 inches | 77 | $770–$1,925 |
| 60-by-42 inches | 95 | $950–$2,375 |
There are different types of grout that come at different price points. Unsanded grout is one of the most common and costs around $5 to $6 per square foot. Epoxy grout is on the higher end and costs around $8 to $12 per square foot to install, but it’s more flexible and less prone to cracking.
In general, you can expect to spend $10 to $65 for a 25-pound bag of dry grout or $12 to $160 for a 25-pound bag of pre-mixed grout.
The more spaced out your tile, the more grout you’ll need. This increases material costs. Most homeowners can cover a large shower space with a single 25-pound bag. If your grout joints are wider than 1/8th of an inch, you may need an additional bag.
The more materials you use, the higher the price to regrout the shower.
Material costs have as much to do with the type of shower as they do the type of tile. For example, a standard 36-by-36-inch walk-in shower costs less to regrout than the average steam shower because it’s smaller and has less tile. That said, the cost could be unexpectedly high if you have small mosaic tiles with wide joints because that requires more grout.
On average, you’ll pay between $10 and $25 per hour to have a professional regrout your shower. While this costs a lot more than doing it yourself, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle. You’ll also save your shower tiles from potentially getting damaged.
There are many types of grout, and they each feature unique price ranges, pros, and cons. Here are the major group types to choose from.
| Type of Grout | Cost per Square Foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Unsanded grout | $5–$6 | Great for smaller joints between tiles |
| Sanded grout | $6–$8 | More durable, great for wider cracks |
| Cement grout | $5–$7 | Easy to DIY, has many color options |
| Polymer grout | $6.50–$10 | Great for moisture-prone areas |
| Epoxy grout | $8–$12 | Resists staining and discoloration |
The tiles themselves also dictate the price to regrout a shower, as both the type of shower tile and the space between each piece influences which type of grout will work best.
| Tile Type | Cost per Shower | Best Grout to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Machine-made wall tile | $400–$800 | Unsanded polymer |
| Handmade wall tile | $480–$600 | Sanded polymer |
| Glass tile | $500–$800 | Sanded or unsanded epoxy |
| Polished/honed stone tile | $400–$600 | Unsanded epoxy or polymer |
| Mosaic tile | $960–$1,280 | Sanded epoxy |
| Tumbled marble | $960–$1,280 | Sanded epoxy |
In addition to grout, you may need to budget for some extras. It depends on your specific bathroom. Things like caulk and sealing can safeguard your shower against water damage.
For most homeowners, the cost to caulk a shower is around $300. You can expect to spend somewhere between $1.25 and $4 per linear foot. When you regrout a shower, you’ll need to caulk the corners and wherever your shower meets a different material, like your bathroom wall or a tub.
Sealing costs $2 to $5 per square foot. If you use a concrete-based grout, you’ll need to seal it using an acrylic water-based or solvent-based sealer. Acrylic water-based sealants are the most affordable. You can typically skip this step if you use polymer or epoxy-based grout.
Even if your grout is looking very discolored, you may be able to restore it rather than replace it. During grout restoration, your contractor will use professional cleaning products to scrub your grout, then seal it for added longevity. Grout restoration typically costs around $450 for 100 square feet.
If grout restoration is possible, you may not have to splurge on fully regrouting your shower. Instead, you can just regrout the cracked or damaged parts and save on costs.
Regrouting isn’t always the most cost-effective option. The average homeowner only spends $900 on the cost to retile their shower versus an average price of $1,500 to fully regrout a shower—and that does not include the cost of replacing any damaged tile. Always weigh the price against the value.
For example, if you’re converting a tub into a walk-in shower and some of the tile in your existing surround is damaged, you may want to retile the entire space. If your tile is in great condition, but your grout is looking worse for wear, you may just want to regrout. Keep in mind that replacing luxury tiles (like high-end marble or granite) can dramatically increase the cost of retiling.
You’ll save a good chunk of change by DIYing your shower regrout, but take note: it’s extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. A 25-pound bag of grout can cost anywhere from $10 to $65 depending on the type, plus you’ll need a few other tools to get the job done.
Removing the old grout is the most difficult part of the process and might take around four times longer than installing your new grout. But if you’re only spot-fixing cracked grout, it won’t take nearly as long.
You have a few different options for grout removal tools. These include:
Grout rake: $10–$15
Oscillating multi-tool: $40–$150
Rotary tool: $25–$70
Reciprocating saw: $30–$80
A grout rake is the most affordable choice, but there’s a catch: you’ll have to spend more time and energy to make it work. Aside from that, here are the other supplies and materials you’ll need:
Grout float: $10–$15
Large heavy-duty sponge: $5
One more word of caution to prospective DIYers: Even with the most top-of-the-line power tools, you’re likely to have a hard time removing all the old grout in your shower. One overly ambitious grind could crack your tile, so always exercise the utmost caution. If you’re at all uncomfortable, call a grouting pro near you to finish the job.
There are a few ways you can lower the price to regrout your shower. The majority of the cost is labor, so anything that cuts down on labor costs can help. Here are some tips.
Choose thinner, larger tiles to save on materials and labor.
Only regrout specific sections that really need TLC.
DIY some of the job, like removing old tiles.
Bundle jobs together, like grouting, caulking, and fixing broken tiles in the bathroom.
If you’ve been side-eying your grout for a while, chances are it could probably use replacing. Here are the main signs to look out for:
Cracks
Stains and discoloration
Cracking, chipping, or crumbling during regular cleaning
Mold and mildew growth
Again, keep in mind that you can do a partial regrouting at a significantly lower price point. This means you don’t have to wait until you can’t stand the sight of your grout—you can get a quick refresh without breaking the bank.
Unfortunately, you can’t put new grout on top of old grout. Regrouting requires a smooth surface in order to fill in cracks, so you’ll have to remove the old grout first. If you don’t, your new grout won’t just look bumpy—it also won’t properly adhere. Once it cures, it will start to chip away, leaving you right where you started.
The best method for keeping your grout clean depends on the level of staining or discoloration. For light cleaning, use warm water and a stiff brush (specifically made for cleaning grout).
Tougher jobs call for a one-to-one solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the area down, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub with your brush. For even more cleaning power, add water to baking soda until it creates a paste and apply it before the vinegar. If the mess is too much, you can call a local tile and grout cleaner.
